Comfort and Consideration: Ten Comedy Specials from 2020 Worth Viewing

While 2020 produced unthinkable headlines, it also produced a wide offering of comedy specials that range from downright absurd to thoroughly thought-provoking. Sometimes comedy can be a distraction, other times it can be a cultural acupuncture. Overall, it’s impact can offer levity, which can give way to reflection and resiliency. After a year filled with fear and uncertainty, here is a collection of ten comedy specials released in 2020 to offer comfort and consideration amidst these challenging times. 

Jess Salomon and Eman El-Husseini in The El-Salomons: Marriage of Convenience

The El-Salomons: Marriage of Convenience (Crave) 

Two comedic voices come together as one. This is the phrase that could be used to describe the marriage of Jess Salomon and Eman El-Husseini, but it also describes how the pair effortlessly share the stage in this fun and engaging special. Marriage of Convenience features stories of their relationship while highlighting their respective Jewish and Palestinian backgrounds, as well as an exploration of the dreaded internet comment section, complete with a bold segment of audience interaction where the pair attempt to play match-maker with total strangers. Dynamic presentations of their material give way to a thoroughly entertaining special where relationships literally take centre stage.  

Hannah Gadsby – Douglas (Netflix) 

For the praise that Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette received in 2018, some critics questioned whether it could technically be classified as a “comedy special” given its heavy subject matter. Gadsby swiftly and decisively addresses those remarks with her fiercely funny follow up, Douglas. This special is in the spirit of Nanette, and leaves the audience breathless from laughter after her particularly barbed presentation of the history of fine art. For optimal viewing pleasure, watch both specials back-to-back and let yourself be mowed over by the force of nature that is Hannah Gadsby. 

Aisha Brown – The First Black Woman Ever (Crave) 

Aisha Brown accepts the distinction of being the first black person to record a Crave special by opening the show with a hilarious performance of humility that also served as a commentary on social inequality. This joke proved to be the thesis of this special, giving the audience an indication of her humour that balances a fun delivery with clever misdirection that would occur throughout the proceedings (with occasional premises that break out into song performances.) Exploring topics including racism, relationships, and “the confidence of Toronto cyclists,” Brown pulls no punches in this politically charged comedy special. 

Beth Stelling – Girl Daddy (HBO Max) 

After watching Beth Stelling’s Girl Daddy, three words come to mind: no holds barred. Nothing is off the table as Stelling shares some brutal truths about past relationships, sex, and body dysmorphia. The most enjoyable part of the special is watching Stelling lead the audience on a journey with a familiar premise, but then effortlessly gut-punch with a playfully dark punchline. It is easy to get swept up in Stelling’s performance as she mischievously toes the line between completely outrageous and joyfully inappropriate.  

Dave Chappelle – 8:46 (YouTube) 

Similar to the question of whether or not Nanette is technically classified as “comedy special,” a similar conversation could be had about Dave Chappelle’s 8:46.  This outdoor performance was distributed for free on YouTube and was created in response to the murder of George Floyd, and the riots that ensued soon after. Exploring themes of injustice, systemic racism, and the right to protest, Chappelle does not mince words as he articulates his thoughts and navigates through these serious subjects. While Chappelle manages to produce a few moments of levity in this heavy presentation, this special is far from comedic, and is included on this list because of its overall importance in regard to the world’s current social and cultural landscape. 

Rhys Nicholson – Live at the Athenaeum (Netflix) 

Quick witted and endlessly charming, Rhys Nicholson delivers a special that blends storytelling with drole humour. Nicholson’s writing gives voice to an unfiltered inner monologue that goes into overdrive when faced with topics such as queer culture, sexual kinks, and the mind-bending question of why his parents felt compelled to keep his baby teeth. Nicholson’s writing is matched by a high-energy and animated delivery that is filled with surprises and unexpected cheeky digressions making this special entertaining from start to finish. 

Tom Henry – 66 Jokes (Crave) 

Tom Henry delivers his rich and succinct humour with a hilarious deadpan delivery in this underrated special. A major strength to 66 Jokes is the decision to vary the pace of the show with unique presentational methods such as a tap dance routine and a saxophone performance, which only enhances the wonderful absurdity of Henry’s comedy.

Jesus Trejo – Stay At Home Son (Prime Video) 

Jesus Trejo has the unique distinction being able spin unthinkably wild stories with an incredibly warm and inviting stage presence. Stay At Home Son features stories that are simultaneously outrageous yet completely endearing. Trejo’s child-like innocence in his delivery affords him the opportunity to take the audience on a journey that incrementally gets more and more ridiculous. While his writing is funny, this special is an example of a storyteller winning over the audience almost immediately, making everything he says deserving of a laugh. 

Tom Walker – Very Very (Prime Video) 

Watching Tom Walker’s Very Very is like watching a cartoon come to life. In a year that was endlessly unpredictable, one of the more exciting surprises of 2020 was discovering the unabashed hilarity of the art of mime (which is a sentence this writer never thought they would type.) Very Very is perhaps not a mime show in the purest sense given that he speaks (which is the theatrical equivalent to catching a soccer ball with your hands) but what it may lack in classical traditions it makes up for with sheer comic lunacy.  

Natalie Palamides – Nate: A One Man Show (Netflix) 

What do you get when you combine theatre of the grotesque, with potent political commentary, and a heroic amount of spirit gum? You get Nate: A  One Man Show – Natalie Palamides’ bold bouffon piece that provokes the audience into exploring themes of consent, relationships, and gender roles. This incredibly daring and interactive show leaves audiences either breathless from laughter or gasping from pure shock at this incredibly thought-provoking live performance.